Nathan Parsons Thinks 'True Blood's Gay Romance Is Important

By: Stacy Lambe

7.22.2014

Photo: John P. Johnson/HBO

In the latest episode of True Blood, the relationship between Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) and James (Nathan Parsons) took a turn when the two find themselves romantically entangled and later caught having sex by Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll).

The scene had a “finally” moment for fans that have been waiting for Ellis’ character to have another onscreen romance following the death of Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) in season 5.

Despite the sudden controversy surrounding the character of James — Grimes left the part after refusing to play gay in the final season — Parsons had no aversions to taking on the part but admits that the scenes were difficult to shoot.

“It has to be something that is seemingly organic and loving, instead of just having sex for the sake of having sex,” Parsons says. “I think that was the difficult line to walk. It comes out of nowhere and we have to do it tastefully, and we all have to be comfortable with what’s happening.”

As for the sex scene itself, Parsons says “once you break the ice physically, then it all becomes easier, and you realize it is just two people.”

In an interview with Vulture, Ellis echoes the ease of working with Parsons. “He shows up and does his job, and he puts his heart into it. Kissing him was weird at first,” Ellis says, “but then I went, ‘Okay!’”

As for Grimes — Ellis made it clear how he feels on that front: “I'm just... I'm over him.”